FAA Ground School Practice Test

What is the angular difference between true north and magnetic north called?

1. Magnetic dip

2. Magnetic deviation

3. Magnetic variation

4. True heading

The correct answer is: Magnetic variation

The angular difference between true north and magnetic north is referred to as magnetic variation. This concept is crucial for navigation because it helps pilots and navigators adjust their compass readings to ensure accuracy in their headings. Magnetic variation can vary based on geographic location and is measured in degrees, indicating how many degrees east or west magnetic north is from true north. Understanding magnetic variation is essential for pilots, as relying solely on magnetic readings without accounting for variation could lead to navigational errors. This is particularly important when transitioning between different regions on a chart, where the variation may change significantly. Other terms related to compass and navigation, such as magnetic dip, magnetic deviation, and true heading, refer to different aspects of navigation and compass behavior, but they do not describe the angular difference specifically between true north and magnetic north. Recognizing and applying magnetic variation allows for more precise navigation and course plotting.